OR XLVI P1 #117: Report of Colonel Isaac C. Bassett, 82nd PA, April 2-6, 1865

No. 117. Report of Colonel Isaac C. Bassett, Eighty-second Pennsylvania Infantry.¹

HDQRS. EIGHTY-SECOND PENNSYLVANIA VOLUNTEERS,
April 16, 1865.

CAPTAIN: I have the honor to submit the following report of the part taken by the Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers in the late operations:

On the morning of the 2nd of April the Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers formed the third line of battle of the Third Brigade, First Division, in the column of attack upon the enemy’s works in front of Petersburg; was among the first to enter the works, rendering great assistance in defeating the enemy, and capturing some 400 prisoners and one rebel battle-flag. The regiment also participated in the capture of Petersburg. Our loss was 5 enlisted men killed and 22 wounded; total, 27.

The regiment also participated in the pursuit of the enemy until the afternoon of April 6, at Sailor’s Run, when the left wing of the regiment formed the left of the first line of battle, the right wing forming the left of the second line. The attack commenced by our troops moving upon the enemy. The advance of the Eighty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers was though a deep, difficult swamp and almost impenetrable under-growth and forest. Here the flank fire of the fire of the enemy becoming severe, changed front forward on the left and confronted the enemy within fifty yards of their position. Here the regiment did great execution, as the serious loss or vast number of the enemy’s dead in our immediate front afterward indicated. Our loss during this engagement was-killed, 1 officers, 18 enlisted men; wounded, 7 officers, 73 enlisted men; total, 8 officers, 91 enlisted men.

With pleasure I recommend for honorable mention Major William Clark, of this regiment, who, by his gallantry, energy, and cool, clear judgment, rendered valuable service; also, Capts. Albert Ivers (Company C) and William H. Knight (Company B) for unusual bravery in leading their companies in the action, during which they were both dangerously wounded; also, Private Charles Desota (Company K), for the capture of one Confederate battle-flag.

Respectfully, yours, &c.,

I. C. BASSETT,
Colonel.

Captain THOMAS G. COLT,
Acting Assistant Adjutant-General.

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